At Delhi airport, Sherpa can withstand explosives, neutralise terror suspect

An armoured vehicle has been stationed at Delhi Airport that can accommodate four armed personnel who can fire from inside to neutralise a suspect. The Sherpa vehicle has a camera installed over it and can withstand RDX blast

The Delhi airport has deployed an armoured vehicle on trial basis to deal with terror attacks.

The Sherpa vehicle deployed at the departure forecourt of Terminal 3. (Vipin Kumar/HT Photo)

A bulletproof heavy vehicle, Renault Sherpa, can accommodate four armed personnel who can fire from inside to neutralise any suspect. The vehicle has a camera installed over it so that security personnel can have a better view of the enemy. Also, it is built using heavy iron so that even a 10kg RDX blast cannot damage it.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is in the process of procuring the armoured tactical vehicle for Delhi airport which can be helpful in case of a terror attack.

“The security personnel, without exposing themselves, can fire at the attacker sitting inside the vehicle. We will soon prepare a proposal to purchase the vehicle,” OP Singh, director general, CISF, said.

Usually security equipment at Delhi airport is purchased by the airport operator, but this vehicle will be procured by the CISF. The force plans to use the vehicle in other parts of the country also, especially the Naxal belt.

Currently, the vehicle is deployed at the departure forecourt of terminal 3 for most of the day and goes to terminal 1 for some time.

There are three cameras installed on top of the vehicle to have a 360 degree view.

“There is a screen inside next to the driver’s seat where CCTV footage is displayed. The vehicle cannot be opened from outside without the key. There are different lights installed at the front of the vehicle to operate in dark. The wheels are good enough to travel in mud and bad roads,” the officer added.

According to the CISF, though the vehicle will always be ready, it will only be used only in case of an attack. The CISF has Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) which are also equipped to chase and neutralise a suspect.